Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku has revealed government is set to deploy 5000 graduates from various agricultural and veterinary institutions across the country to support farmers under the Feed Ghana Program.
According to Eric Opoku, the deployment of 5000 agric graduates is part of the government plan to modernize agriculture and bridge the gap between research and practical farming.
Speaking on Citi Business News Eric Opoku stated, “We are deploying our extension officers, and as we mentioned last Saturday, we are bringing on board 5,000 graduates from agricultural and veterinary colleges many of whom have been home since 2015 without employment. We want all of them to be part of the Feed Ghana initiative.”
“We want to close the gap between agricultural research and the actual practices on farms. These graduates will play a critical role in introducing modern farming techniques to local farmers,” he added.
He further added Ghana has received 300 tonnes of rice seeds from the Korean government.
Eric Opoku stated, “We are distributing high-quality rice and maize seeds that have been approved as best suited for our soil. The donation of 300 tonnes of rice seeds comes from KOPIA—a Korean agricultural research agency based in Ghana.
Distribution has started in the southern sector, where the farming season is currently underway. We’re also preparing to supply the northern regions when the season begins in May,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eric Opoku during the launch of the government’s Feed Ghana Programme on Saturday, April 12, 2025, revealed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is demanding Ghana return some 27,000 tons of food supplies borrowed under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo Bawumia government in 2018.
According to Eric Opoku, he has asked the ECOWAS to grant Ghana a one-year period to raise the credited food items for repayment.
Eric Opoku stated, “Recently, leaders from ECOWAS came to our office. They said Ghana owes them rice and maize of about 27,000 tons, which we borrowed in 2018, and that they are asking that we refund it”.
“Mr. President, I have, in your name, pleaded that once we commence the Feed Ghana initiative, we will come and repay the loan in one year,” he added.
Additionally, President John Dramani Mahama has declared that his government’s Feed Ghana Programme is not just a government policy but rather it is a call to action.
According to John Mahama, the newly launched Feed Ghana Programme is a national call to action.
He noted that the programme is not just a mere government policy but a comprehensive strategy to drive national growth and improve the livelihoods of citizens through sustainable agriculture.
John Mahama also revealed that the programme will be grounded in research, tailored to our climate realities, and inclusive of youth and women participation.
